To think that Tontawan Tantivejakul, affectionately known as Tu, has spent only five years in the public eye feels almost improbable. At 25, she is already among Thailand’s most recognisable young stars, with an appeal that reaches audiences across the region. Her breakthrough arrived with her leading debut in F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, in which she played Gorya, a student entering the rarefied and unforgiving world of an elite school controlled by the wealthy F4. Headstrong, principled and unwilling to submit to intimidation, Gorya became a heroine audiences could readily champion, brought to life through Tontawan’s combination of spirited defiance and emotional sincerity.
She revealed another dimension to her abilities in 10 Years Ticket. As Kongkwan, a young woman living in the shadow of a tragedy that divided two families and dismantled a once-cherished friendship, Tontawan embraced a subtler and more restrained register. The performance allowed her to convey pain through the quietest of gestures, demonstrating a dramatic maturity that extended far beyond the vivacity of her breakout role.
That sense of range also defines her relationship with fashion. Tontawan has become a modern style reference by making even the most considered combinations appear instinctive. She gravitates towards soft layers, lace and ruffled textures, often grounding their delicacy with denim, tailored vests or unexpected proportions. The result is distinctly Gen Z but never prescribed. It is a sensibility reflected on this cover, where Chow Tai Fook’s jewellery becomes a natural extension of her look, adding polish and presence without diminishing the ease that makes her style so compelling.
Established in 1929, Chow Tai Fook has evolved from a specialist gold jewellery store into a global Chinese luxury house recognised for bringing heritage into dialogue with contemporary design. Its history is marked by innovations including the introduction of 999.9 gold jewellery, and the brand’s revolutionary Fixed Price policy.
Since celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2024, the jeweller has embarked on a transformation. It’s a rebirth well exemplified by the Dawn Collection of jewellery, which takes inspiration from the beauty of flowers in their first bloom and the vibrancy of new life. In a nod to exquisite Chinese artistry, the brand took inspiration from the decorative elements of a red sandalwood pipa from the Tang dynasty, and all its artistic and cultural splendour, to create the collection’s central four-petal Baoxiang floral motif.
This evocative motif has been elevated by Chow Tai Fook with fine craftsmanship, turning traditional symbolism into mesmerising gold jewels. Its floral forms are sharpened by geometric lines; delicate openwork; bezel-, grain-, and pavé-set diamond accents; and luminous champlevé enamel in the brand’s signature red and black that bring a graphic contrast to the warmth of gold. Auspicious and elegant, these designs interpret Chinese traditions with a modern, global perspective—one that looks perfectly fresh and stylish yet suffused with cultural resonance.
Composed of bangles, rings, earrings and necklaces that range from delicate to elaborate, the Dawn Collection’s variety invites freedom to layer and style the pieces in one’s own way. Symbolising vitality and strength to embrace your truest self, the versatility of the jewels enhances individuality—mirroring, in its way, Tontawan’s ability to pair her distinctly personal point of view with the variety of projects and characters she plays.
Here, fresh from her September cover shoot for Vogue Singapore, the star reflects on the role that transformed her life, the values that guide her work, the confidence she has discovered through fashion and the future she is building on her own terms.
You entered the industry through a role that instantly made you a household name. Looking back now, what parts of your identity were shaped by that experience?
Starting with a project of that scale was both an incredible opportunity and a profound lesson. It gave me experiences I never could have anticipated, and it taught me early on that success always comes with responsibility. More than anything, it shaped my resilience. I came to know myself more deeply through that journey, and it reminded me to hold onto my values just as firmly as I did on the very first day.
Many actors spend years trying to escape the role that made them famous. How has your relationship with F4 Thailand evolved as you’ve taken on more mature projects?
I’m truly grateful for F4 Thailand. It opened so many doors for me and I’ll always carry it with me. I don’t think of it as something I need to move on from; it’s the foundation that gave me the courage and the opportunities to grow and explore a wider range of work. Going forward, I’m excited to take on roles that challenge me in new ways and allow me to show more depth as an actress.
You have often spoken about wanting audiences to believe completely in the characters you portray. What does authenticity in acting mean to you?
For me, true success in a performance is when I’ve understood a character so completely that I’m no longer playing them—I’m genuinely living as them. If an audience member forgets they’re watching an actress and simply feels alongside the character, that’s when I know I’ve done my job.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies resonated with audiences through its themes of family, duty and mortality. What conversations did it spark in your own life?
This film made me reflect more on the value of time and family relationships. Sometimes, we live too fast and forget how important it is to spend time with the people we love each day. It made me want to spend more meaningful, quality time with the people around me.
You have mentioned an interest in exploring lighter, more joyful roles. What is it about romantic comedy, in particular, that appeals to you at this stage of your career?
Romantic comedy has a very special charm for me because it can bring smiles and happiness to the audience. After working on several emotionally intense projects, I’d love to tell a story that feels lighter, more comforting and heartwarming.
“Professionalism, to me, is about holding yourself to your own standards consistently, whether or not anyone is watching.”
You’ve said that you hope people associate your name with professionalism and commitment. What does professionalism look like to you when no one is watching?
Professionalism, to me, is about holding yourself to your own standards consistently, whether or not anyone is watching. It’s about responsibility, punctuality, preparation and treating every project you’re given with genuine respect.
Your life has unfolded in two very different worlds: entertainment and dentistry. Do those worlds ever feel in conflict, or do they ultimately teach you similar things about discipline and responsibility?
Many people see them as two entirely separate worlds, but for me, they teach the same core values: responsibility and discipline. Whether I’m caring for a patient or working on set, everything requires preparation, attention to detail and deep respect for the people around you.
You’re known for being highly driven and academically accomplished. Has ambition always come naturally to you, or is it something you’ve consciously cultivated over time?
I’ve always been a determined person, even from a young age. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to understand that ambition isn’t simply about wanting to reach a goal; it’s about having the discipline and patience to walk towards it, one step at a time.
Fashion has become a significant part of your public identity. What have you learnt about yourself through fashion that acting alone could not teach you?
Fashion has given me a completely different way to express who I am. It’s taught me to be bold, to have fun with creativity and to understand that real confidence doesn’t come from dressing for other people’s approval—it comes from feeling entirely at ease in your own skin.
There is often pressure on young actresses to be constantly visible. How do you decide what parts of yourself belong to the public and what parts remain private?
I think sharing parts of yourself is a beautiful thing, and it makes me happy when fans feel like they’re part of my world. At the same time, I believe everyone deserves a space that belongs only to them. I try to be honest and open in the way I present myself, while still protecting certain quiet, precious moments with my family and the people closest to me that I keep just for us.
When you picture the next 10 years of your life stretching out ahead of you, full of possible goals, changes and new experiences, what is it that excites you the most?
Growth. Whether as an actress, as a dentist or simply as a person, I’m excited by the idea of continuing to learn and discover sides of myself I haven’t yet uncovered.
If we were having this conversation 10 years from now, what would you hope had changed about you, and what would you hope had stayed exactly the same?
I hope to be someone with richer experience and a deeper perspective on life—more confident, with a clearer understanding of who I am. But the one thing I never want to lose is my sense of self. No matter where this journey takes me, I want to remain authentically me.
And finally, what can fans look forward to next?
Later this year, I’ll be appearing in Scarlet Heart Thailand, a series that the entire cast and crew have poured so much of ourselves into. I hope audiences will see a new side of me and a range they haven’t seen before. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Photography Waroon Kieattisin
Styling Nicholas See
Hair Promya Bangpong
Make-up Sapsiri Siriwong
Executive producer David Bay
Producers Wanida Phanpan and Montrai Towandejairi
Manicure Kunyavee_nails
Retoucher Kiattikhun Juengkhajornkiat
Photographer’s assistants Prompong Dechpol, Ratchapoom Yeamnet and Pongtorn Bua-im
Stylist’s assistant Nawarut Boontub
